Issues WE-MEP The Hague 2023 - Hoofdinhoud

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE)

The question of migration regulation.

Due to the ongoing civil war in Syria and the instability of the Middle East and Northern Africa, many people try to flee to the European Union. Current EU asylum policies have been unable to respond effectively to the significant movement of refugees. There is heavy criticism from certain Member States and civil society on migration deals with for example Turkey and Libya and ongoing news on pushbacks on the European common border. On the other hand, there is a common understanding that migration should be better regulated.

What short-term solutions can the EU promote to coordinate the migration crisis across all Member States? How can the EU ensure that no human rights, like equal treatment, are violated during the process of asylum-seeking within the EU? And to what extent should the EU invest in migration deals with countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea?

Committee on Development (DEVE)

The question of climate compensation for developing countries.

The problematic consequences of the climate crisis hits harder in developing countries although developing countries have contributed far less than the EU to global emissions. Developing countries also face a short-term incentive to extract fossil resources in exchange for more income, although fossil extraction jeopardize long-term climate goals. Besides, most developing countries lack the much needed investments that are required for the transition to green energy.

Should EU investments fund the transition to green energy in developing countries? What can or should the EU do to prevent the extraction of fossil resources in developing countries? And should the EU compensate developing countries for the consequences of climate change? And if so, how?

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE)

The question of the energy crisis.

The transition to green energy and ambitions for sustainable development received renewed attention when its geopolitical importance was emphasized after the Russian invasion in Ukraine. The EU dependence on Russian gas supply has resulted in a very complicated crisis, high inflation influencing the living standards of many households across the EU.

How can the EU both guarantee short-term energy provision, while ensuring a long-term sustainable energy production? Should Member States that are less dependent on Russian gas provide energy to Member States that are more dependent? And what can the EU further do to diminish the dependence on fossil fuels?

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI)

The question of securing the world food supply.

The global demand for agricultural products are rising since the world population continues to grow. However, within the EU almost 20% of the produced food are lost or wasted or wasted along different stages of the food chain. The issue of world food supply peaked with the Russian invasion in Ukraine, one of the biggest producers of grain worldwide. Due to the war, many crops cannot be exported causing food insecurity and rising food prices across the world.

What role should the EU take in ensuring the world food supply, both short and long-term? If so, how can the EU expand agricultural knowledge and innovation systems while equally combatting global warming, the growing loss of biodiversity and the scarcity of water supplies? And what should the EU do to tackle food waste?

Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO)

The question of right-wing extremism.

Right-wing extremism has made its entrance to domestic politics in EU Member States. Academics partly dedicate this to the declining trust in governance. The multitude of crises the world has witnessed over the past years has, moreover, not benefited the social cohesion within politics. The rise of populism is more than a phase, stressing the importance of dialogue within our polarized political landscape. In the EU we also observe more polarization due to extreme right-wing parties receiving more support in for example the Netherlands, France, Italy, Greece, and Hungary.

Should the EU take an active role to prevent the undermining effects on European democracies and democratic values? And if so, how can collaboration and consensus between opposing political parties be stimulated? Should the EU encourage dialogue with extremist right-wing parties? And in what ways can the EU promote trust and build on social cohesion within the EU?